Carlton’s clash against Collingwood on Saturday marks the 24th Peter Mac Cup, with the Blues looking to level the ledger at 12 wins apiece.
Brendon Bolton will face the Pies for the first time as Blues coach, with the magnitude of the AFL’s greatest rivalry not lost on him.
“I’m just starting to understand it (Carlton-Collingwood rivalry) and that’s exciting,” Bolton told the media on Friday.
“Rivalries are great things in footy clubs … It’s a special occasion this game.”
Despite the occasion, Bolton insisted this week’s preparation had remained the same as any other week, and that the Blues wouldn’t be underestimating the Magpies, who enter the clash with an average of 29 games less experience per player than Carlton.
“I think we are going to face a really determined Collingwood,” he said.
“I don’t know what’s in their mindset, but if there is (pressure in their minds) then we’ll take it.”
Bolton hasn’t taken too much satisfaction from his side having the sixth-best defence in the competition, but insists the Club’s journey is showing signs of being on track.
“We’ve got a fair bit to tidy up defensively, but (there) are structures we’re really happy with,” he said.
“We take confidence that we’re progressing, but (we are) never satisfied.”
This week’s match will see Carlton without No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering (shoulder) and ruckman Andrew Phillips, who strained a hamstring during training this week.
In Phillips’ absence, Matthew Kreuzer will be the Blues’ sole ruckman, with Bolton confident he can do the job.
“He (Kreuzer) is a seasoned campaigner and he’s got a great engine,” he said.
“We’re really confident in ‘Kreuz’.”
Bolton said he had no doubts on Andrew Walker, who returns for his first hitout since Round 1 after overcoming a calf injury.
“He’s a great professional. He’s kept his body in great condition. He’s a leader and he should hit the scoreboard, so he’ll assist,” he said.
Patrick Cripps and Andrejs Everitt also return to the side on Saturday, with the Blues hoping to win three in a row for the first time since Rounds 16-18, 2013.
